# Spatial insights into colorectal cancer risk factors and priority areas for screening in the United Kingdom based on data from the UK Biobank

## TL;DR

This study uses UK Biobank data to identify geographic areas in the UK where colorectal cancer screening should be prioritized based on risk factors.

## Contribution

The study introduces a geospatial approach to identify priority screening areas for colorectal cancer using polygenic risk scores and local risk factors.

## Key findings

- Polygenic risk score (PRS) is the most significant risk factor for colorectal cancer in both older and young adults.
- Priority screening areas for older adults are identified in regions like Sheffield, Birmingham, and west of Greater London.
- For young adults, priority areas are found in the south of Glasgow and northwest of Greater London.

## Abstract

Geography and geospatial data science hold the potential to make unique contributions to the reduction of the burden of cancer on society. Here we use colorectal cancer (CRC) as an example to show how spatial insights into CRC risk factors and priority areas for screening may be obtained to achieve geographically targeted screening. We obtained data from the UK Biobank and divided the participants into the older (50<=age < 70) and young (age < 50) adult groups. The data consists of 2,080 CRC cases and 8,062 controls. We used a case-control study and geographically weighted logistic regression (GWLR) to explore spatial variations in risk levels of significant factors at a fine geographic resolution. Analysis results reveal that, among all significant risk factors, polygenic risk score (PRS) is the most important risk factor for both age groups. Findings suggest that the top priority screening areas for older adults, using PRS as the sole risk factor, are between Sheffield, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, and west of Greater London. For young adults, the top priority areas are between the south of Glasgow and Edinburgh and northwest of Greater London. Furthermore, the approach used in this study holds promise for developing more effective targeted cancer screening.